A New Jersey lawmaker is proposing pet owners affected by the tainted pet food recall should be able to sue for pain and suffering.

Under current state law, pet owners can only sue for a replacement cost of their animal, if it is treated as property. Assemblyman Neil Cohen said that is not enough because pets are more than just property.

Cohen has proposed a bill that would allow owners to sue for much more. Under his bill, owners could sue for medical bills, funeral costs, the current replacement value of the pet and up to $15,000 in pain and suffering.

The bill also allows health inspectors to seize any recalled pet food still on store shelves and destroy it. Cohen said too many stores still have recalled brands on their shelves. According to the Food and Drug Administration, more than 100 brands of dog and cat food have been recalled since March.

Cohen?s bill passed out of committee Monday and will head to the full Assembly for a vote.

For an extended interview with Assemblyman Cohen, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO extra.

Related Information:Pet Food Recall/Tainted Animal Food